Marian Lorraine Alcorn

On August 3, 2024, Marian Lorraine Alcorn went to be with our Lord and Savior and was reunited with her beloved husband in Heaven. She passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Lorraine was born on September 13, 1934 in Grangeville, California. She was preceded in death by her husband of seventy years, John Alcorn, daughter, Sharon (Alcorn) Oliver, father, Walter Bennett, and mother and step father, Leta and Robert Page. She led a blessed life and was devoted to her family.

Lorraine was an only child, raised by her mother after her father tragically passed. She had fond memories of her dad taking her to ice cream and getting a candy treat out of his lunch box when he got home from work. She would tell stories of her pen pal from England in grammar school during World War

I that became a dear friend throughout the rest of her life. She proudly recalled her mom sending rations to her pen pal’s family and took further pride in being a part of those actions which solidified multiple generations of family friendship.

Lorraine loved school and was very active during her years at Hanford High School. She was the drum major for the Hanford High School Marching Band, majorette, synchronized swimmer, and on the swim team. She was known for her adorable dimples and contagious smile. She graduated from Hanford High in 1952 and went on to attend College of the Sequoias where she met John on her very first day. They were married eight months later on May 9, 1953, and her dream of having many children came true.

Lorraine devoted her life to raising her six children and keeping a wonderful home at their family ranch. During the times in which her husband, John, was away with the US Navy Reserve or trucking throughout the state, Lorraine was a strong head of the household. On family vacations, from camping and hiking to those legendary livestock shows at Cow Palace, Lorraine knew exactly what needed to be done and seamlessly carried out those plans to create some of the most long-lasting family memories. She even dedicated many years to the Kings River 4-H program as Community Leader where her children were members. She was a steadfast seamstress for her family and even crafted elaborate wool fashion-wear for the annual Lads & Ladies show lamb competition. There were Winters in which she would bottle-feed litters of piglets and take care of newborn lambs right in the kitchen. During show season, it was no surprise to find her washing her children’s show whites after a long day at the county fair and preparing food for the next long day of work ahead. She was a wonderful cook and passed her love of cooking onto her children and grandchildren including many delicious recipes like the Alcorn’s savory Texas chili, her heart-warming chicken noodle soup, and her most celebrated fried chicken which she would make for many memorable Sunday dinners. Lorraine was consistently behind the scenes ensuring that her children had everything that they needed to succeed.

Lorraine loved to travel the country with her husband. They visited every state except for Hawaii. They enjoyed spending their summers fishing for salmon in Alaska, lounging in the sun at Pismo Beach, and relaxing on their porch at their beloved cabin in Shaver Lake, California. Their neighbors in East Village held a very special place in her heart. She made friends quickly and that held true during her time at Quail Park. She loved so many of the residents and caregivers and would often call them family.

Lorraine is survived by her daughters, Jonell (Patrick) Freitas, Marian Luis, Carleen (Phillip) Nunes, and Pamela (Marten) Verhoeven, only son, John (Melissa) Alcorn, 17 grandchildren, and 24 great grandchildren, all of which she dearly loved.

Her family finds comfort in knowing that Lorraine and John are sitting on a cabin porch in the mountains of Heaven, enjoying the most beautiful sunny day, surrounded by the tallest pine trees, the most colorful of hummingbirds, and the fulfilled promise of love everlasting.

A graveside service will be held at Kings River Cemetery on August 17, 2024 at 9:30 AM. There will be a time to visit with family following the service at the First Christian Church, 505 West Cameron Street in Hanford.